Holly Humberstone on the Importance of Stage Style

On a chilly Saturday night in May, Holly Humberstone took the stage for the first of two sold-out shows at Brooklyn Steel. Dressed in a black dress with a fitted bodice and bubble skirt, chunky combat boots, and Chanel earrings, her stage presence immediately reflected her artistic persona. With her wavy, waist-length light brown hair falling naturally around her face and a glittering spider web illuminating her name in the background, she exuded a witchy, Stevie Nicks-inspired aura. The crowd, primarily composed of Gen Z fans who knew every lyric, also included older music lovers, highlighting her wide-reaching appeal.

Humberstone’s music is introspective, modern, and subtly powerful, drawing comparisons to artists like Lorde and Lykke Li. Her 2023 debut album, *Paint My Bedroom Black*, showcased her thoughtful and emotionally charged songwriting, with tracks like “Ghost Me” and “Antichrist” resonating deeply with fans. The album’s title track opens with the striking lyrics, “Well, you kicked his lazy ass out of your life/And, suddenly, you don’t hate yourself,” perfectly encapsulating her raw storytelling style. She balances deeply personal themes with cultural references, even incorporating reality TV influences, as she’s an avid fan of *The Real Housewives* franchises.

Growing up in the East Midlands of the UK, Humberstone was surrounded by music from an early age. Raised in a creative household with three sisters and parents who worked for the NHS, she discovered her passion for music through their diverse collection of CDs. She began teaching herself piano and secretly writing songs at home, never believing that a music career was a viable path for someone from her small town. That changed when, at 17, she uploaded a self-recorded demo to BBC Introducing. The song caught the attention of a manager, who remains with her to this day. Humberstone credits luck as a significant factor in her success but also acknowledges the importance of taking risks, as she had little interest in anything other than music.

Despite her love for music, navigating the industry has come with challenges. Social media, in particular, has presented unexpected pressures. While she appreciates having a platform to connect with fans and share meaningful topics, she admits she never anticipated the responsibility that comes with maintaining an online presence. As a self-described private person, finding the balance between authenticity and visibility has been an ongoing process.

Performing live has also been an evolving experience. Initially, touring felt isolating, but over time, she has found strength in her band and crew. On stage, she taps into an alter ego that contrasts with her typically reserved nature. Offstage, she considers herself a peacemaker, preferring to avoid confrontation, but the moment she steps into the spotlight, she embraces her identity as a performer.

Humberstone’s influences are deeply rooted in the music her parents introduced her to. Her mother’s love for Radiohead and her father’s appreciation for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles shaped her early exposure to music. She was also drawn to songwriter-focused artists like Regina Spektor and Damien Rice, which influenced her own storytelling approach. Only after entering the industry did she realize just how cool her parents’ music taste was.

Over time, Humberstone’s vocal style has naturally evolved, particularly with the wear and tear of touring. She has noticed a newfound raspiness in her voice that wasn’t as prominent in her earlier recordings, something she attributes to the demands of performing night after night. Though she avoids listening to her own released music, she embraces the natural shifts in her sound.

Her stage fashion reflects both her personality and her commitment to sustainability. She grew up thrifting and still prioritizes ethical fashion choices while building her tour wardrobe. The black dress she wore at Brooklyn Steel was from Peachy Den, and her favorite heavy-soled boots were from Spanish brand New Rock. While fast fashion is tempting, she remains conscious of its environmental impact, especially given the carbon footprint of touring. Partnering with Chanel for statement accessories was a surreal experience, given her history of secondhand shopping.

Over the past four years, Humberstone’s personal style has undergone a transformation. Initially favoring hoodies and oversized clothing, she now embraces a more expressive and bold aesthetic. As she puts it, she’s young and wants to have fun with fashion, dressing however she pleases. On stage, looking good translates to feeling confident, which in turn enhances her performances. It’s a mindset she continues to explore, finding empowerment in both her music and her evolving image.